While out
for a walk this morning I thought about a meeting I will attend this evening. I'll be representing the South
County Outreach to a women's club, a social group that gathers monthly with a
different agenda each time. Sometimes the group learns about charitable causes
and others times they just share a fun activity. Whether gathering food for the
needy or simply enjoying fine wine, these women build bonds that are meaningful
and lasting as they share their experiences. Outside the group setting, these
ladies grow to support each other whenever needed out of love for their
friends. Taking time to join a group can change your life.
One
example. My mother
in law is a vibrant, beautiful woman who loves life, loves to make new friends
and constantly shares herself with others. She has a bunko club (picture ladies
with slippery dice and tasty drinks), a group of retired candy factory
coworkers who lunch together every month and a big family that always loves to
gather near her. Until recently she also had her Curves group, which is ladies
who work out together. At 82 her regular gatherings with others who have
similar interests brings her much joy. It's effort on her part to keep these
relationships going, but she absolutely loves it. She constantly offers up her
home and meals and she participates in lively conversation and projects that always
bring joy to others.
Another
example. A friend
of mine works tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits throughout
our community. An important job, he meets with groups of all sizes weekly. He
wears a three-piece suit, exudes sincerity, and has a heart of gold. Outside of
work he involves himself in all sorts of worldly ventures. He travels to Paris
with family and friends, is writing a novel, and also represents a line of wood
baseball bats, a passion that involves him with groups of young college
athletes and fellow ball players throughout the country. My outgoing and renaissance
friend brings his energy, enthusiasm and passion for life to each group he
encounters, yet in his thoughts at the end of each day he thanks God for the
friends he has been blessed with.
Participating
with a group takes effort but can be absolutely rewarding! I recently signed up to join
Monica Mehren Thompson's "Pay it Forward" giving group. I read about
this group online and gave Monica a call. I was looking forward to meeting new
friends and finding new ways to share my blessings. Monica was excited to
welcome me to the group and reminded me that in joining the group I would be
bringing value to them as well.
Sharing my life
with my husband, family and good friends brings me unequaled joy. Sharing enhances life, and it
works both ways. Share a meal, share a story, share your faith and do it
often. Your happiness will multiply!
Instead of a gem or a flower, we should cast the gift of a
loving thought
into the heart of a friend. That would be giving as the
angels give.
~ George MacDonald
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